Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Savvas D. Georgiades

Abstract

While the importance of equal protection for all offenders has been established, prison officials often do not provide adequate protection for or effectively address the unique needs of transgender inmates. In this qualitative action research study, prison officials' perceptions regarding their responsibility to provide protection and equal treatment to transgender offenders were evaluated as well as to what extent they are congruent with those stated in policies and procedures. The expectation was that linkages could be drawn between prison officials' level of knowledge regarding their responsibilities and the various types of maltreatment that transgender offenders experience as well as the frequency at which they are subject to such maltreatment. Prison staff, employed by the Department of Corrections in the southeastern U.S. state, were recruited through fliers posted in local public libraries and relevant social media platforms. Data were collected from a focus group of 7 prison staff. Findings, determined through a coding process, suggest that the personal biases of prison staff and a lack of accountability from supervisors and managers were the most apparent causes for the maltreatment of transgender offenders occurring in the prisons. The study has implications for correctional management, staff training, and policy.

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